The Victorian era 1840 – 1914
Increasing religious tolerance in the 19th century meant that you could choose where you worshipped in 1840 when new chapels were built in Shillington. Both were popular immediately.
From 1862, Shillington began to benefit from an unexpected but short-lived source of wealth which also transformed the appearance of the village. By 1900, many were living in poverty once more and it stayed that way until the first word war began.
There is an (unverified) story that the change of name from Shitlington to Shillington was triggered by a visit to the area by Queen Victoria.
She would, perhaps, not have been amused!
Learn more about Shillington’s ‘Boom Years’ here.